A Winning Tradition

NEWBERG, Ore. – The George Fox women's soccer team is looking for a fresh start in 2017, and head coach Cory Hand is excited about the group he's going to coach on the pitch this season.

"We return a strong core of players who competed hard and brought a strong defensive presence to games. We're excited to return many of those key players this year and to throw in the addition of several new exciting pieces that should bring a fun attacking edge to our team this year," said head coach Cory Hand in response.

The roster seems to corroborate Hand's prediction. The Bruins are poised to make a mark on the Northwest Conference this year with a roster that includes returning forward and offensive juggernaut Emma Logan (formerly Weme) up front, Kelsey Kammerzell anchoring the defense in goal, and Alyssa Del Castillo on the back line bringing a tireless defensive presence.

Above all, Hand wants fans of the program to know that this team will fight.

"Preseason training has brought an exciting energy to the team," he said. "[We have] returning players bringing leadership and foresight and incoming players bringing missing pieces and attacking creativity. We are excited to see the depth and the versatility that this year's team has the potential to bring."

Even with the slew of new talent flowing into the program, Hand is characteristically wary of the word "potential" when talking about the young team.

Speaking of what fans can expect to see this season, Hand said, "They will be able to see a team that shows a fight, a hunger, an excitement and a collective passion to rid themselves of potential and to fully express their individual and team identity. This will be a hardworking team."

The Bruins open their season with a tough matchup against NCAA Division I opponent Portland State University on Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. in Hillsboro, Oregon, at Hillsboro Stadium.

"The team is excited to raise their standards and to set new heights as they open their season," Hand said.

George Fox opens its home schedule by hosting Beloit at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1.